Changes in the distribution of body mass index among college students in Shandong, China from 1985 to 2005

This article analyzes the changes in the distribution of body mass index (BMI) among college students aged 19–22 in Shandong, China from 1985 to 2005. In the past 20 years, the P50 (percentile 50) of BMI increased, from 20.44 kg/m2 in 1985 to 21.00 kg/m2 in 2005 for males, and from 19.97 kg/m2 in 1985 to 20.42 kg/m2 in 2005 for females. The proportion of overweight or obese (defined as BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) increased from 1.35% in 1985 to 7.17% in 2005. Overweight and obesity among college students has become a serious public health problem. Comprehensive evidence-based strategies of intervention should be introduced, including periodic monitoring.